Editors Note: the following is a press statement from Power Watch Negros Secretary-General Wennie Sancho. It is printed in full.
With an overwhelming vote of 98,591 or 55.53% yes votes as of August 27, 2023, the CENECO consumers ratified the Joint Venture Agreement. It has been providential that the JVA was approved to meet the challenges of times, as we are beset by brownouts and power outages. Now the JVA shall pave the way for a new beginning in the franchise area of CENECO.
By this overwhelming mandate, the consumers had spoken. This is a manifestation of the sovereign will of the people, from which all government authority emanates. Let us respect the will of the people – “The voice of the people is the voice of God”. The people shall be the judge in this primordial issue of the JVA.
We could not ask for more or less, but we should be more optimistic about the opportunities for the meaningful consumers’ participation in the JVA. We are confronted by a growing complexity of problems and solutions, but the JVA will provide an effective control in policy-direction for the benefit and welfare of the consumers.
The JVA will guarantee that after much effort has been made, it shall accomplish the intended goal for the greatest good of the greatest number of consumers.
We foresee that under the JVA, the immediate and long-term needs of the consumers will be provided. One of the most promising way to affect policies and decision-making process in the power industry is through concerted consumers action and participation.
Power Watch Negros shall continue to be a watchdog and will always be a watchdog in the implementation of the JVA as well as in any endeavor affecting the welfare of the consumers.
This overwhelming mandate is the victory of the people, whose voices had been suppressed for so long a time, but now finally find utterance with their ratification of the JVA.
The JVA is not the end, it is only the beginning of consumers action that can modify our attitudes and pave the way for reforms in CENECO, With the voice of the consumers amplified in the JVA ratification, the twin pillars of transparency and accountability shall support and strengthen the JVA with determination, courage and faith.
We do not claim responsibility for the victory of the JVA. Power Watch is just among the few candles who lighted the hearts of the consumers to support the JVA.
Let us be magnanimous in victory. God bless us all
